How Kooka Futureproofed ELHAP With a Sustainable Retrofit
At Kooka, we believe construction is about more than bricks, render, or insulation. It’s about building places where people thrive – spaces that serve, support, and inspire. That’s why we were deeply honoured to deliver a full retrofit for a community building as impactful as ELHAP (Every Life Has A Purpose), a remarkable adventure play centre in Woodford Bridge that has been changing lives for over 40 years.
Our mission was clear: transform a building in need of care, so it can continue being a sanctuary of joy, growth, and inclusion for the many children, young people, and adults it serves.
Why We Do What We Do
At Kooka, we’re proud to be known for our quality workmanship and deep expertise in specialist in the insulation industry. But our purpose runs far deeper than the materials we use or the techniques we’ve mastered. We believe that every building tells a story and that, with the right care, that story can be rewritten for the better.
To us, buildings are more than just materials. They are spaces of possibility. They shape how people feel, how they live, how they connect. When a home becomes warmer, it becomes more than energy-efficient, it becomes a place of comfort, dignity, and security. When a workplace becomes safer, it builds not only productivity but peace of mind. When we futureproof a community space, we help preserve its purpose for generations to come.
This understanding shapes how we approach every project and why we approach every project with precision, passion, and people-first thinking. It’s why we invest in sustainable methods and long-term solutions. And it’s why we’re committed to going beyond the technical to deliver work that is thoughtful, lasting, and meaningful.
One recent project especially reminded us why we do what we do. It was more than just an installation or upgrade; it was a chance to support a space making a tangible social impact. By applying our expertise to strengthen its infrastructure and sustainability, we helped ensure that its mission could continue to thrive for decades. Being part of that story meant everything to us.
We were honoured to be chosen for this project, not just for our technical capabilities, but because we’re trusted in the industry. With over 443+ countless positive reviews from clients across the UK, we’ve built our reputation on care, consistency, and integrity. Every detail matters. Every decision reflects our values. And every outcome is measured not just in energy saved, but in buildings improved.
More Than Just a Building
ELHAP isn’t just a facility it’s a lifeline. One of only a few adventure playgrounds of its kind in the UK, ELHAP offers life changing play opportunities to disadvantaged individuals, many of whom face significant physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
On the outside, it may look like a modest building tucked away in suburban East London. But inside, it’s a world of possibility, a place where play is therapy, expression, and freedom. Every ramp, climbing frame, and quiet corner is designed to give individuals agency, joy, and connection.
Yet despite its incredible purpose, the building itself was showing its age.
The issues: Poor thermal performance, heat loss, roof deterioration, outdated drainage infrastructure – all of which made day to day operations harder and put increasing strain on ELHAP’s limited resources.
When ELHAP approached us to explore a full sustainable retrofit, we immediately understood the stakes. This wasn’t just about materials, it was about protecting a service that makes a profound difference in people’s lives.
In 2023 alone, ELHAP delivered 12,819 hours of adventure play, welcomed 800 children with disabilities, supported 436 families with meaningful respite, and trained 75 incredible volunteers. This is the power of a place like ELHAP.
Click here to find out more about ELHAP’s incredible work or show your support by donating. Every contribution helps keep this vital space thrive for those who need it most.
Our Work – Inside and Out
Retrofit projects always come with unique challenges, especially when working on an active site like a play centre. But with a blend of meticulous planning and specialist knowledge, we delivered a full building upgrade tailored to ELHAP’s needs and respectful of its operations.
We brought ELHAP’s vision to life through our strategic and transformative retrofit – here’s what we achieved.
High Performance Insulation
We installed 182m² of premium 110mm Rockwool external wall insulation. This system was chosen for its outstanding thermal performance, fire resistance, and breathability which are essential features for a public building with high footfall and strict safety standards.
The insulation immediately improved internal comfort levels while reducing the building’s reliance on heating, which is a win for both the charity’s budget and the environment.
Fresh, Durable Render
We applied a modern silicone render finish to the exterior, giving the building a clean, bright appearance. This low maintenance, weather resistant finish not only enhances kerb appeal but also extends the life of the insulation system beneath it.
Drainage System Upgrade
To futureproof the property’s plumbing, we replaced the ageing soil stacks and wastepipes. These components often get overlooked, but they’re critical to the long-term functionality, safety, and hygiene of any building – especially one like ELHAP, which serves many children and families every day.
Outdated drainage can lead to leaks, blockages, and unpleasant odours, all of which can disrupt daily operations and create health risks. By installing a modern, durable system, we’ve helped ensure that ELHAP can continue to run smoothly behind the scenes, allowing the team to focus on what really matters: delivering joyful, life changing play experiences.
Roofing Renewal
We also installed a high-performance GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) flat roof system. A smart, long-term solution known for its watertight properties, durability, and low maintenance needs. For a community hub like ELHAP, which operates year-round and welcomes hundreds of visitors, reliability is non-negotiable. Alongside the new roof outlets through the solid concrete & rebar allowing the water to be exposed of externally rather than through the building, ensuring proper drainage and weather protection.
From insulation to finishing details, every step was delivered with care, precision, and attention to the long term needs of the space.
Rising to the Challenge
The ELHAP retrofit wasn’t without pressure. The project had to be completed by February 2025 to meet funding deadlines, a fixed timeline that left little room for delays.
Add to that:
- Winter weather conditions
- An operational play centre still in use by staff and service users
- Complex installation phases requiring coordination across trades
… and you’ve got a demanding project environment.
We’re known for delivering when precision and performance are non-negotiable. Through smart scheduling, open communication, and a hands-on, collaborative approach, we successfully completed the full retrofit:
On time
On budget
With minimal disruption to ELHAP’s daily operations
We worked hand in hand with the staff and leadership team to ensure services remained open and safe throughout because we know the importance of continuity in environments like these.
A Transformation That Goes Beyond Walls
This wasn’t just a cosmetic refresh or energy saving upgrade – it was a transformation with deep and lasting impact.
Here’s what the retrofit achieved:
Thermal Comfort
Children, staff, and visitors can now enjoy a warmer, cosier indoor space throughout the year. The upgraded insulation and roofing drastically reduce cold spots and improve air quality.
Lower Operating Costs
The improved energy efficiency means ELHAP can spend less on heating bills and more on what truly matters: play equipment, staff, and programming.
Improved Aesthetics
The bright, clean new look gives the building a renewed sense of pride and presence. It now reflects the positivity and creativity happening inside every day.
Extended Lifespan
With modern materials, better drainage, and weatherproof systems in place, the building is now protected from the elements for years to come.
Community Empowerment
Perhaps most importantly, the retrofit reinforces ELHAP’s ability to deliver its mission, giving thousands of individuals a safe, inclusive space where they feel valued, capable, and fre
A Future Proofed Space for a Vital Cause
For a non-profit organisation like ELHAP, every penny counts, and every improvement must serve a greater purpose. These upgrades go far beyond surface level improvements; they’ve reduced the risk of future maintenance issues, lowered energy consumption, and created a more comfortable, welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the doors. With the potential to save up to 60% on energy bills thanks to enhanced insulation, ELHAP can redirect vital funds towards what truly matters: supporting children, families, and communities in need. This project wasn’t just about fixing a building, it was about futureproofing a charity that delivers a real, life changing impact every single day.
This is What Building Better Looks Like
The ELHAP project encapsulates everything we stand for at Kooka, a purposeful construction, community impact, and long-term thinking. It wasn’t just about improving a building; it was about futureproofing a vital service, easing financial pressure, and creating a space that feels safe, warm, and welcoming to every child, family, staff member, and volunteer who walks through its doors.
By delivering durable upgrades, energy saving solutions, and thoughtful finishes, we’ve not only helped ELHAP reduce its environmental footprint and operating costs but also reinforced the value of the work they do – work that transforms lives every single day.
At Kooka, we believe that when buildings are designed to support people, especially those in vulnerable communities, they become more than just structures – they become catalysts for change. And for us, that’s what building better truly means.
Let’s Build Something That Lasts
We’re incredibly proud of what we have delivered at ELHAP and after completing our work for the charity, we are more committed to continue supporting projects alike that hold communities together.
We understand the unique pressures that organisations like schools, charities, community hubs, and public service facilities face, from tight budgets, ageing infrastructure, and rising energy demands. That’s where we come in. At Kooka, we specialise in retrofitting buildings with solutions that are not only technically sound, but tailored to real-world needs: improving energy efficiency, reducing running costs, and extending the life of the buildings people rely on most.
We’re not here to just tick compliance boxes or chase carbon targets (though we do both). We’re here to make spaces work better for the people inside them, and for the long-term health of the planet.
Whether your project needs:
- A full-scale retrofit
- Targeted insulation improvements
- Or just a clear, honest assessment of what’s possible within your budget
We bring deep technical knowledge, careful craftsmanship, and a reputation for doing things the right way.
We believe retrofit can be transformative and not just in how a building performs, but in how people feel inside it. That’s why from planning to handover, we focus on clear communication, minimal disruption, and delivering quality you can see and feel.
We’ve earned our 5-star rating by showing up with integrity, consistency, and a solutions-focused mindset. And we’re ready to do the same for you.
📧 Let’s talk: info@kooka.co.uk
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Let’s build something that lasts, not just physically, but in its purpose and impact.